IDEA Mural

The mural promotes the principles of IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism or Anti-Hate).
Commissioned by the District of Muskoka’s IDEA Advisory Group and donated to the Town of Bracebridge, the mural showcases the philosophy of supporting diversity in the region. A second mural was created as part of a series and is located at 205 Muskoka Road South in Gravenhurst.

The Bracebridge mural honours Muskoka’s scenic lake vistas and local flora and fauna, using a colour spectrum that reflects the theme of growth and change. Both murals are framed by water in order to emphasize its importance as the source of growth, and to ensure that the IDEA seeds being planted in the Bracebridge mural are able to grow and thrive in the Gravenhurst mural.

The characters depicted show diversity in ability, race and gender. A pregnant woman is featured to represent the birth of a new generation who will bring with them tolerance, respect and acceptance of new cultures, races, religions and gender identities. Viewers are encouraged to pose with the murals and post their photos to social media using #HateFreeMuskoka to ensure everyone knows they belong in Muskoka.

Jim Bravo – Lead Artist
Jim Bravo was born in Ecuador, South America, and is of Afrolatino descent. He is a graduate of The Ontario College of Art and Design University where he majored in Fine Art and public monument painting.

A multi-award-winning painter, including first honour for the prestigious 2023 Kingston Prize for Contemporary Canadian Portraiture, Bravo is also the recipient of the Toronto Art Council’s Black Projects grant for 2022 and 2023, an Ontario Arts Council creation grant for 2022, and is a four-year consecutive winner of the city of Toronto’s prestigious TABIA Mural Award.

Steph Schofield – Assistant Artist
Steph Schofield is a local painter who explores colourful, contemporary, Canadian landscapes, many of which will be familiar to those who have spent time in Muskoka.

She graduated from Sheridan College’s Visual and Creative Arts Program and has since been involved in exhibits in Toronto, Bracebridge and Gravenhurst, including a debut solo show in July 2022 at the Auburn Gallery of Fine Art in Gravenhurst.

Steph's awards include Best Use of Colour – Honourable Mention from the 2024 Muskoka Arts & Crafts Spring Members Show, and Best Use of Colour – Winner at the 2023 Muskoka Arts & Crafts Spring Member’s Show. Steph’s artwork can be found at The Annex at 27 Manitoba Street, Bracebridge